Affogato, How to Make an Affogato

I consider myself very lucky when it comes to being surrounded by people I deeply care for. Friends who I love and family that I can’t do without. I always think about ways to make them feel special…., without expecting anything in return (yes yes, it sounds noble and all that…., but noble isn’t what I’m going for.., so, stop the eye rolling!! :). In fact, it embarrasses me when I receive something in return – either in kind or in gesture. It’s just me or may be it’s just the Taurus in me. I go deep.

This Affogato is for a friend who loves two things as far as I know – espresso and gelato. So, what else could be better than to wish him Happy Birthday with this easy, two-ingredient adult dessert that is so utterly satisfying? A confession to be made here though: I have not had an affogato up until now. And yes, I have been to Italy twice.

Had it not been for his birthday treat, I wouldn’t have thought about making it. I wanted to make two things – an easy chocolate cake (ooo.., after last year’s Red Velvet Cake, I definitely wanted a yummy and easy Birthday Cake. Easy would be an understatement. This Birthday Chocolate Cake for Two was beyond easy and a little selfish 😀 And then…, the Affogato.

So, what’s an affogato?

Affogato means “drowned” in Italian. There is an article on Boston Globe explaining exactly what affogato stands for. Italians use the term affogato “when you’re talking about something so incredibly tasty that it takes your breath away.”

So all you have to do is, make a shot of espresso (I used my built in Bosch to make the espresso and if you don’t have an espresso machine, make some super strong black coffee instead) and pour it over a scoop of vanilla gelato. You’re done! Raise the spoon and make a wish.

You can spike the espresso with a little bit of bourbon as well. After all, this is an adult treat. I will try that next time.

I’ve always liked the combination especially when it’s a little warm outside and you don’t want to drink a steaming hot cup of coffee. I think this is perfect and it’s not that difficult to make either!

I had never heard of an affogato until about 2 weeks ago. My husband and I were at one of those special Starbucks that offer the reserve label. And he had an affogato. My husband consumes things quickly. And I went into the restroom while waiting for my drink. And when I came out,, he was almost finished. So I never really got to see it. But what a great idea to make one at home. I love the idea of adding a little bourbon. I think the tastes would go together so well. Plus, it’s fun!

I’ve never heard of an Affogato but now I want to make some. I bet I’d love this a lot, it sounds like something I’d enjoy. I love trying new things and I think this is going to be my new recipe to try.

Oh my goodness! This makes me not want to wait for the Italian Christmas markets this year! I LOVE these drinks LOVE them. I probably indulged a bit more than I should have, but they are so delicious as is pretty much everything in Italy. ❤ Affogato all the time! LOL 🙂

As an Italian, this is something I know very well and absolutely LOVE! Your technique is spot-on and your photos are really inviting…. It’s been quite some time since I lad had an Affogato and you’ve just given me the perfect idea for tonight’s dessert 😀